초록 ▼

The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) late

The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder. With this twist-lock motion, the surgeon can rapidly engage and disengage various instruments from the holder during a surgical procedure, such as open surgery, laparoscopy or thoracoscopy.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for use in releasably holding a surgical instrument comprising a shaft, said shaft having a mounting means, said mounting means being affixed to and forming a protrusion extending radially from said shaft, said device comprising: a body with first and second ends and an axial passage thereb

A device for use in releasably holding a surgical instrument comprising a shaft, said shaft having a mounting means, said mounting means being affixed to and forming a protrusion extending radially from said shaft, said device comprising: a body with first and second ends and an axial passage therebetween for receiving said shaft, said body defining a first shaped hole in said first end in communication with said axial passage for receiving said protrusion, and a second shaped hole, transverse to and in communication with the first hole, between the first and second ends of the body, the second hole being sized to receive said shaft and said protrusion such that said protrusion can be rotated within said second hole; a latch assembly having a latch movably disposed within said body between a first position, where said protrusion freely rotates within said second hole, and a second position, where said latch at least partially blocks rotation of said protrusion within said second hole to thereby prevent said protrusion from rotating into alignment with said first hole; means for releasing said latch assembly so that said protrusion can be rotated within said second hole into alignment with said first hole, thereby releasing the instrument from the body; and a ball detent partially disposed within said second shaped hole for indicating when said protrusion has been rotated through said second shaped hole to a location that will allow said latch assembly to move into said second position to thereby lock said protrusion within said second shaped hole.